Disability Ministries Committee and GCORR Announce 2026–2027 Grant Opportunity to Advance Disability Justice
Ten grants of up to $5,000 available to support United Methodist ministries that challenge ableism, advance inclusion, and empower people with disabilities in leadership and ministry.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Disability Ministries Committee (DMC) and the General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) of The United Methodist Church announce the opening of the 2026–2027 DMC/CORR Action Fund grant cycle. This joint funding opportunity will award ten grants of up to $5,000 to support creative, community-centered ministries that advance disability justice in historically marginalized and underserved communities.
The grants seek to address systemic barriers that prevent people with disabilities from fully participating in church and community life. Historically marginalized and underserved communities include individuals and groups who have experienced unequal access to opportunities and resources due to ableism, racism, discrimination, economic hardship, geographic isolation, or other systemic barriers.
This grant cycle focuses on advocacy, education, and empowerment, rather than physical accessibility improvements to buildings or facilities. United Methodist churches and affiliated ministries are encouraged to develop one-year projects that challenge ableism, strengthen inclusion, and create meaningful opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in leadership and ministry.
"Disability justice is about more than removing barriers. It is about recognizing the gifts, leadership, and sacred worth of people with disabilities and ensuring that all of us have a meaningful voice in the life of the Church," said Rev. Mimi Luebbers, chair of the Disability Ministries Committee. "Through these grants, we hope to encourage congregations to listen, build relationships, and create ministries where disabled people can fully belong and lead."
Grant Priorities and Eligibility
Proposed projects should:
Center people with disabilities in project planning, decision-making, and leadership.
Be proposed by churches or entities from historically marginalized and underserved communities and directly benefit those communities.
Build partnerships between local churches and community organizations whenever possible.
Reflect cultural and linguistic sensitivity to the diverse backgrounds and experiences of participants.
Demonstrate measurable impact, lasting change, and the potential to be replicated in other United Methodist churches or affiliated ministries.
All United Methodist local churches, church clusters, and United Methodist-affiliated entities are eligible to apply.
Grant Details and Application Process
Grant amount: Up to $5,000 per award
Number of grants to be awarded: 10
Project period: June 1, 2027–May 31, 2028
Application deadline: January 25, 2027
Interested applicants can visit the Disability Ministries Committee website at www.umcdmc.org/grants-and-fundraising to access the grant application form and review application requirements.
Completed applications and all required supporting documents must be emailed to the DMC/CORR Action Fund Grants Committee at information@umcdmc.org by January 25, 2027.
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About the Disability Ministries Committee (DMC)
The Disability Ministries Committee of The United Methodist Church works through advocacy, education, and empowerment to create a culture where people with disabilities are fully included in all aspects of worship, leadership, ministry, and mission. As a ministry partner of GCORR, the DMC promotes anti-ableism and disability justice throughout the Church and its communities.
Learn more at www.umcdmc.org.
About the General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR)
The General Commission on Religion and Race challenges, leads, and equips the people of The United Methodist Church to become interculturally competent, ensure institutional equity, and facilitate vital conversations about religion, race, and culture. GCORR works to build the capacity of the Church to be contextually relevant and reach more people, more young people, and more diverse people.
Learn more at www.gcorr.org.